Bentonville-based HFA acquires Boston design firm TRIA
by November 3, 2025 1:12 pm 775 views
HFA, a Bentonville-based architecture and engineering firm, announced Monday (Nov. 3) that it has acquired TRIA, a Boston-based architecture firm known for its life sciences and laboratory design. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The acquisition marks HFA’s entry into the science and technology sector, one of the fastest-growing and technically complex industries. With the addition of TRIA, HFA launched its Life Sciences and Technology sector and “will deliver comprehensive, future-ready solutions that support clients from discovery to deployment,” according to a news release.
TRIA was founded in 2015 and has partnered with biotech, pharmaceutical and research organizations in the Boston region. Its portfolio includes research and development labs, GMP biomanufacturing facilities and workplaces for scientists.
“This partnership is about bringing together people who care deeply about the impact their work has on the world,” said Dave Wilgus, CEO of HFA. “TRIA’s expertise in science and technology adds an exciting new dimension to what we do. Together, we’ll continue designing spaces that help our clients solve complex challenges and push innovation forward.”
TRIA’s leadership will remain in place. HFA added 17 full-time and part-time employees in the acquisition.
“From my first meeting with HFA leadership in 2024, I knew our missions were aligned — relationships first and people-centric,” said Sherwood Butler, president and CEO at TRIA. “I’m honored to continue what we started more than a decade ago: building the country’s leading science and technology architecture firm. HFA gives us the strength and support to keep excelling and growing alongside our most valued clients.”
Along with life sciences and technology, HFA’s portfolio encompasses the health care, hospitality, industrial, multifamily, retail, and specialized architecture, engineering and construction markets. It has offices in Bentonville; Baltimore; Boston; Fort Worth, Texas; Franklin, Mass.; Mexico City; and Springfield, Mo. It supports clients across the nation from early-stage research labs to full-scale production campuses.
HFA has a total of 567 full-time and part-time employees, including 262 employees in Northwest Arkansas. The total includes 63 full-time employees in Mexico.